Interspecific tree (Flavor Supreme)

ABSTRACT

This new distinct variety relates to an interspecific (plum×plumcot) tree which has the following unique combination of desirable features: 
     1. Production of fruit with excellent flavor and eating quality. 
     2. Firm flesh texture of fruit, intermediate between plum and apricot. 
     3. Fruit with high brix (soluble solids) average 17%. 
     4. Heavy and regular production. 
     5. Vigorous, semi-upright growth. 
     6. Good shipping and storage quality of fruit.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The present variety of interspecific (plum×plumcot) tree was originatedby us in the experimental orchard located at Modesto, Calif. as a firstgeneration seedling from a cross between a plum selection identified as5G1230 and a plumcot selection identified as 4G1180. Both of the aboveparents were selected from a group of open pollinated Red Beaut Plum(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,539) seedlings grown in our experimental orchard.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

The present variety of interspecific tree was asexually reproduced bybudding and grafting, as performed by us in the experimental orchardlocated at Modesto, Calif., shows that all characteristics run true toform and are established and transmitted through succeedingpropagations.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The present variety of interspecific (plum×plumcot) tree which is oflarge size, dense, semi-upright in growth and a regular and productivebearer of medium size, clingstone fruit. The fruit is furthercharacterized by having firm flesh texture which is intermediate betweenplum and apricot, being excellent in flavor and eating quality, andhaving good storage and shipping quality.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying color photographs show typical specimens of the fruitand foliage of the new variety, with the upper and lower surface of theleaves being illustrated and the exterior and a cross sectional view ofthe fruit divided in the suture plane to reveal flesh coloration andshowing a stone remaining in place. The illustrations were taken shortlyafter being picked at maturity (firm ripe) and the colors are as nearlytrue as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a botanical description of the present new and distinctvariety of interspecific (plum×plumcot) tree, its foliage and fruit asbased on observations of specimens grown at Modesto, Calif., with colorterminology (except those in common terms) in accordance with ReinholdColor Atlas by A. Kornerup and J. H. Wanscher.

Tree:

Size.--Large.

Vigor.--Vigorous.

Form.--Semi-upright.

Density.--Dense.

Production.--Productive.

Bearing.--Regular.

Trunk:

Size.--Medium to large.

Surface.--Shaggy.

Color.--Brown to grayish brown.

Branches:

Size.--Medium.

Surface.--Medium rough.

Lenticels.--Medium number. Medium to large size.

Color.--Brown to dark brown.

Leaves:

Size.--Large. Average length -- 43/4" to 5". Average width -- 17/8" to21/8".

Form.--Oblanceolate.

Margin.--Finely serrate.

Texture.--Smooth.

Petiole.--Average length -- 11/8". Average thickness -- 1/16".

Glands.--Globose. Number varies 1 to 4. Average number 2. Usuallylocated on lower portion of leaf blade, with only a few located on upperportion of petiole.

Color.--Upper surface -- green to dark green (27-F-6) to (27-F-8). Lowersurface -- green to dull green (28-E-6) to (28-E-8).

Flower buds:

Size.--Medium.

Form.--Plump -- free.

Flowers:

Blooming period.--First Bloom -- Mar. 1, 1987. Full Bloom -- Mar. 4,1987. Varies slightly with climatic conditions.

Size.--Medium.

Color.--White.

Pistil pubescents.--Wanting.

Pollen.--Present.

Fruit:

Maturity when described.--Firm ripe.

Date of first picking.--June 13, 1987.

Date of last picking.--June 20, 1987.

Size.--Medium. Average diameter axially 2" to 21/4". Averagetransversely in suture plane 21/8" to 21/4".

Form.--Globose to slightly flattened on stem end.

Suture.--Shallow. Nearly smooth. Extends from base to apex.

Base.--Retuse.

Apex.--Rounded to very slight point.

Cavity.--Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane. Average depth --3/8". Average breadth -- 1/2".

Skin:

Thickness.--Medium.

Texture.--Medium.

Tendency to crack.--None.

Down.--Wanting.

Bloom.--Moderate to heavy.

Color.--Violet brown to purplish gray (11-F-2) to (12-F-3). Mottled withsmall lighter colored dots randomly spaced.

Flesh:

Texture.--Firm, but delicate. Intermediate between plum and apricot.

Ripens.--Fairly uniform, slightly later at stem end.

Amygdlin.--Undetected.

Juice.--Moderate.

Flavor.--Excellent. Sweet -- delicate balance between acid and sugar.

Fibers.--Few. Tender.

Eating quality.--Excellent.

Color.--Deep red to bordeaux (11-C-8) to (11-D-8). Slightly lightercolor near stem cavity. Pit cavity -- dark red (11-E-3).

Stone:

Type.--Clingstone.

Size.--Medium. Average length -- 15/16'. Average breadth -- 11/16".Average thickness -- 5/16".

Form.--Ovid.

Surface.--Regularly pitted, only slightly throughout. Ridges near basewith ridges extending across the surface on both sides of suture plane.

Side.--Unequal to equal.

Base.--Rounded to straight.

Apex.--Acuminate.

Tendency to split.--None.

Color.--Reddish brown (9-D-8) to (9-E-8).

Use: Dessert.

Market.--Local and long distance.

Keeping quality: Good.

Shipping quality: Good.

The interspecific (plum×plumcot) tree and its fruit herein described mayvary in slight detail due to climatic, soil conditions and culturalpractices under which the variety may be grown; the present descriptionbeing of the variety grown under the ecological conditions prevailing atModesto, Calif.

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of interspecific (plum×plumcot)tree, substantially as illustrated and described, characterized by itslarge size, being vigorous, semi-upright in growth and being a regularand productive bearer of medium size, firm, red flesh, clingstone fruit,with excellent flavor and eating quality and the ability to ship to longdistance markets.